Abstract: A front adapter plate has its upper end mounted on the pivot pin which pivotally secures the rod end of a front hydraulic cylinder of a side-dump body. A front mount is adjustably vertically secured to the front adapter plate and has a pivot pin extending forwardly therefrom. A rear adapter plate has its upper end mounted on the pivot pin which pivotally secures the rod end of a rear hydraulic cylinder of the side-dump body. A rear mount is adjustably vertically secured to the rear adapter plate and has a pivot pin extending rearwardly therefrom. The inner ends of front and rear swing arms of a tarp system are pivotally mounted on the pivot pins of the front and rear mounts respectively.

Abstract: An automated tarping system for open-topped containers includes a winding mechanism and an extension mechanism. The winding mechanism is attached to the container and to a cover and exerts a winding force to retain the cover so that the top of the container remains open. The extension mechanism utilizes a drive mechanism which exerts an extension force on a cable to pivot an arm to which a cover is attached. The arm is pivotally attached to a side of the container and is connected to the cable. When the drive mechanism exerts the extension force on the cable, the arm, which is connected, pivots with respect to the container. The cover, which is connected to the arm, is then drawn across the open-top of the container to close the top of the container as the extension force exerted by the drive mechanism overcomes the winding force generated by the winding mechanism.

Abstract: A panoramic roof apparatus for a vehicle may include a front roll blind and a rear roll blind that may be slidably mounted to a rail, a worm wheel gear coupled to a motor, first cables connected to both sides of the front roll blind respectively and disposed in parallel each other across the worm wheel gear, and second cables connected to both sides of the rear roll blind respectively and disposed in parallel each other across the worm wheel gear, wherein the first and second cables may be spaced in a predetermined distance along an axial direction of the worm wheel gear, and wherein the worm wheel gear selectively moves along the axial direction thereof and may be selectively engaged with and actuates the first cables or the second cables so as to individually open and close the front roll blind or the rear roll blind.

Abstract: A method for manipulating and securing a tarpaulin across an aperture defining opposed aperture first and second ends, the tarpaulin being secured at one end thereof adjacent the aperture first end and secured to a rod at the other end thereof. With the tarpaulin at least partially rolled around a rod, the tarpaulin is unrolled from the rod and substantially simultaneously the rod is moved across the aperture toward the aperture second end so that the tarpaulin is extended across the aperture as the tarpaulin in unrolled from the rod. After the rod has been moved substantially adjacent to the aperture second end, the rod is inserted in the recess of a hook provided adjacent the aperture second end so as to prevent movements of the rod toward the aperture first end beyond a predetermined location. After inserting the rod in the recess, the tarpaulin is rolled around the rod to move the rod to the predetermined location and create a tension in the tarpaulin to secure the tarpaulin to the hook.

Abstract: A semitrailer tarpaulin securing system includes a trailer with a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall and an opening extending into an upper side of the trailer. A plurality of covering supports extends between the first and second lateral walls and across the opening. A covering is removably positionable on the supports to close the opening. Each of a plurality of retaining members has a first end, a second end and a central portion extending between the first and second ends. Each of the first ends is attached to the first lateral wall and each of the second ends is attached to the second lateral wall so that the central portion of each of the retaining members extends over the opening of the trailer. The covering is between the supports and the retaining members. The retaining members inhibit the covering from blowing off of the trailer.

Abstract: A method for manipulating and securing a tarpaulin across an aperture defining opposed aperture first and second ends, the tarpaulin being secured at one end thereof adjacent the aperture first end and secured to a rod at the other end thereof. With the tarpaulin at least partially rolled around a rod, the tarpaulin is unrolled from the rod and substantially simultaneously the rod is moved across the aperture toward the aperture second end so that the tarpaulin is extended across the aperture as the tarpaulin in unrolled from the rod. After the rod has been moved substantially adjacent to the aperture second end, the rod is inserted in the recess of a hook provided adjacent the aperture second end so as to prevent movements of the rod toward the aperture first end beyond a predetermined location. After inserting the rod in the recess, the tarpaulin is rolled around the rod to move the rod to the predetermined location and create a tension in the tarpaulin to secure the tarpaulin to the hook.

Abstract: A rail is disclosed for a top of a wall of a trailer. The rail comprises a body adapted to engage the top of the wall. The body has a concave surface adapted to receive a cover reel.

Abstract: A tarp bar may be an alignment member, a reinforcement member, and a furling control member, without adding substantial weight or complexity to a rolling tarp system. The tarp bar is fixed to the tarp a significant distance from the drive bar and is not motorized or otherwise powered, and is preferably attached only to the tarp material, parallel to the length of the tarp and the bed/trailer. The tarp bar is recessed or otherwise-concave along its length to allow cradling of, and hence parallel orientation of, an already-rolled portion of the tarp. The tarp bar is preferably broader than said already-rolled portion, so that two opposing edges of the tarp bar extend out beyond the diameter of the already-rolled portion so that the combination of the already-rolled portion received in the tarp bar is a non-cylindrical unit.

Abstract: A self-contained, vehicle-mounted system for operating a retractable cover with respect to proximate open top containers transported by the vehicle to cover and uncover the containers. The system includes all of the items necessary to accomplish the covering and uncovering of a container and needs only to be mounted on the vehicle and connected to a source of electric power on the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is provided. An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle has an airflow collision wall provided at a rear in a vehicle body longitudinal direction with respect to a front wheel in a wheel house, and extending in a vehicle width direction and facing a lower side in a vehicle body vertical direction, an airflow guiding wall extending downward in the vehicle body vertical direction from an end portion of the airflow collision wall which end portion is at a side that is far from the front wheel, and a step portion formed at a portion in the vehicle width direction of at least one of the airflow guiding wall and the airflow collision wall, and including inward-facing walls that extend along a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A loading space cover having a dimensionally stable housing and a flexible sheet like screen is rolled up in the housing. Fastening devices are disposed at the longitudinal end sides of the loading space cover. Each fastening device can be held releasably in associated loading-space fasteners of a motor vehicle. The fastening devices are of structurally simple and cost-effective design. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fastening devices are held reliably in the loading-space fasteners and permit an energy-absorbing twisting of the loading space cover about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper arm with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft or universal joint connector is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.

Abstract: A trailer tarp cover system comprising a main arm, a rectangular joint, a gas spring, and a motor located on the distal end of the main arm. In a first embodiment, the rectangular joint is comprised of the bottom portion of the main arm, two axle support members, two first support members, and two second support members. In a second embodiment, the rectangular joint is comprised of the bottom portion of the main arm, two axle support members, one first support member, and one second support member. In an alternate embodiment, torsion springs are used in lieu of the gas spring.

Abstract: A trailer tarp cover system comprising a main arm, a rectangular joint, a gas spring, and a motor located on the distal end of the main arm. In a first embodiment, the rectangular joint is comprised of the bottom portion of the main arm, two axle support members, two first support members, and two second support members. In a second embodiment, the rectangular joint is comprised of the bottom portion of the main arm, two axle support members, one first support member, and one second support member. In an alternate embodiment, torsion springs are used in lieu of the gas spring.

Abstract: A cover system for covering an open top of an open-topped container with a flexible cover comprises a bail member having a first end pivotally connected to the container and an opposite second end connected to an end of the flexible cover, a tensioning bow member including an end portion pivotally connected to the bail member and an opposite end configured for bearing against the flexible cover, and a mechanism between the bail member and tensioning bow member including first and second members configured to cooperate to lock the tensioning bow member against movement relative to the bail member.

Abstract: Elongated side rails for attachment to a sidewall of a truck cargo box as a portion of a tonneau cover assembly. Each assembly includes a flexible cover that can be operatively secured to side rails. One side rail includes a securing portion that can be operatively connected to the sidewall; an inclined portion extending from the securing portion, the inclined portion having first and second sides; a connecting member extending downwardly away from the inclined portion from a position located between the first and second sides; and a longitudinal portion extending from the connecting member opposite the inclined portion. To secure the cover to the side rails, hook fastener is preferably attached to loop fastener on the cover. One preferred side rail has a ridge to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners. Another preferred side rail has directional hook fastener to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners.

Abstract: In a hauling vehicle having a cargo compartment that can be covered by a pliable sheet canopy deployable from a reel mounted at one end of the compartment, a mechanism located at the opposite end of the compartment automatically grabs and locks a rod commonly found at the leading edge of the canopy. The locking mechanism is automatically released upon actuation of the very switch that triggers the retracting of the canopy. Pincer prongs automatically swing around opposite end sections of the rod and are immobilized by spring-biased pins. The pins are pulled back by solenoids energized upon actuation of the switch.

Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper aim with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly for covering a space. The assembly includes a frame having rails. A material is disposed over the frame for covering the space. A plurality of fastening devices are disposed through to the material for securing the material to each of the rails. An anchor is secured to the second rail. A plunger extends from either the anchor or the first rail and defines an operational axis. The plunger slidably engages the other of either the first rail or the anchor for guiding the first rail between a first position relaxing the material and a second position tightening the material. The fastening device includes a cap, fingers and a retaining member engaging the fingers for capturing the material between the cap and the retaining member.

Abstract: A manually operated device designed to securely grip onto an RV cover or tarp, span the width of the RV and with the aid of two telescoping handles allow said cover to be safely raised up to a height sufficient to allow the cover or tarp to be installed over the RV, motor home, travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer or boat allowing the unit to be covered safely from the ground, eliminating the inherent risks with climbing upon it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering a surface such as a swimming pool, a sports field, a glazed surface, a vehicle body, including: (a) a drum rotatingly mounted and capable of winding or unwinding a cover, said drum being mounted on longitudinal translation mechanisms including rails provided on either side of said surface; (b) an attachment system for said cover at one transverse end of the surface to be covered so that the translation and the rotation of the drum results in the winding/unwinding of the cover above the surface to be covered; (c) a system for continuously locking the longitudinal edges of the cover onto said rails that is progressively fitted during the unwinding operation.

Abstract: An automated tarping system for open-topped containers includes a winding mechanism and an extension mechanism. The winding mechanism is attached to the container and to a cover and exerts a winding force to retain the cover so that the top of the container remains open. The extension mechanism utilizes a drive mechanism which exerts an extension force on a cable to pivot an arm to which a cover is attached. The arm is pivotally attached to a side of the container and is connected to the cable. When the drive mechanism exerts the extension force on the cable, the arm, which is connected, pivots with respect to the container. The cover, which is connected to the arm, is then drawn across the open-top of the container to close the top of the container as the extension force exerted by the drive mechanism overcomes the winding force generated by the winding mechanism.

Abstract: A roll-out cover system for a container having an open top is provided that includes a cover, a pair of pivot arms, a gearbox, a motor, a drive mechanism, and a controller. The cover has a leading end and a trailing end. The pivot arms are positioned on respective sidewalls of the container. Each pivot arm has a free end connected to a leading end of the cover, and a pivot end. The pivot arms are pivotable between a first position wherein the cover is retracted from the open top, and a second position wherein the cover is extended substantially over the open top. The gearbox has an input shaft and an output shaft connected to the pivot arms. The controller selectively controls the motor and coupled gearbox to operate the drive mechanism and connected pivot arms between the first position wherein the cover is retracted, and the second position wherein the cover is extended substantially over the open top.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a windscreen, a pull-out roller blind, more preferably sun roller blind, for covering this windscreen and a roof screen separate from the windscreen in the roof of the motor vehicle. The pull-out roller blind is also provided for covering the roof screen.

Abstract: A roll tarp system with a rear assembly including a pivoting arm and cable to help deploy the roll tarp system. The pivoting arm and flexible cable can articulate to allow a rear door to open. The roll tarp system includes a conventional roll tarp on a roller attached to one side of a container of a truck or trailer and an actuator to operate the tarp. A pivoting arm can be attached to the outside of a rear opening door on the container. A flexible cable has one end attached to the distal end of the pivoting arm and another end attached to the tarp axle of the roller of the roll tarp. Preferably, the flexible cable consists of the only structure between a cable attachment at the pivoting arm and an attachment at the axle of the roller.

Abstract: A retractable tarping system including an end support surface, a shaft, a tarp, a spool, an end plate assembly, and a cable. The tarp and the spool are operably attached to the shaft. The end plate assembly is attached to the shaft for movement with respect to the first end support surface. The cable is attached to the end support surface and extends at least one time around the first spool.

Abstract: A tarpaulin cover system selectively covers and uncovers the body of a vehicle. The system includes an elongated anchored support member mounted to one side of the vehicle body. A tarpaulin is secured at one of its sides to the anchored support member to be fixedly mounted to that side of the body. The other side of the tarpaulin is secured to an elongated movable support member. A pivot point assembly is mounted to each of the front and the rear of the body. A pivot arm is pivotally mounted to each pivot point assembly. A pivot head assembly connects each pivot arm to the movable support member by an intermediate pivot head assembly. The pivot head assemblies are pivotally mounted to each pivot arm. A traction roller is mounted on each end of the movable support member. The traction could also be achieved by a traction pad on the vehicle body in addition to or instead of the traction roller. The movable support member is not mounted directly to the shaft of the motor of the system.

Abstract: A tonneau cover and a method of operating a tonneau cover that covers a cargo box on a pickup. The tonneau cover is positionable in a closed configuration, a rolled-up configuration and a front access configuration. The method includes rolling up the tonneau cover to uncover a first part of the cargo box. The method also includes pivoting a portion of the tonneau cover to uncover a second part of the cargo box.

Abstract: A tonneau cover unit includes: a tonneau cover that covers a luggage floor which is formed on the rear side within a vehicle; a board that is fitted to an end portion of the tonneau cover, and that is provided with an engaging portion; and a rail along which the engaging portion slides in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The rail has a first engaged portion that locks the board at the prescribed position with the board kept substantially parallel to the luggage floor when the engaging portion is engaged in the first engaged portion; and a second engaged portion that locks the board at a prescribed position with the board kept substantially upright at a predetermined angle with respect to the luggage floor when the engaging portion is engaged in the second engaged portion.

Abstract: Elongated side rails for attachment to a sidewall of a truck cargo box as a portion of a tonneau cover assembly. Each assembly includes a flexible cover that can be operatively secured to side rails. One side rail includes a securing portion that can be operatively connected to the sidewall; an inclined portion extending from the securing portion, the inclined portion having first and second sides; a connecting member extending downwardly away from the inclined portion from a position located between the first and second sides; and a longitudinal portion extending from the connecting member opposite the inclined portion. To secure the cover to the side rails, hook fastener is preferably attached to loop fastener on the cover. One preferred side rail has a ridge to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners. Another preferred side rail has directional hook fastener to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a tarping system having a flexible cover carried by a deployment mechanism having a horizontal arm spanning the width of a container, the deployment mechanism movable to an extended position in which the horizontal arm is adjacent one end of the container. The locking mechanism includes at least one locking element associated with one end of the container and at least one latching element having a latching portion configured to engage the at least one locking element. The latching element is pivotably supported on the horizontal arm so that that latching element can pivot to and from a locked position in which the latching portion engages the at least one locking element. A tension element is connected between the latching element and the cover to control the pivoting of the latching element under the force of gravity based on the position of the flexible cover.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for tarping a cargo loaded on a flat bed vehicle which includes a pair of ruggedly constructed double scissors linkages carried by an overhead horizontal traveling trolley and connectable at their lower ends to the tarpaulin. A vertically adjustable horizontal roller is provided, over which the tarpaulin is pulled during its installation in covering relation to the loaded cargo.

Abstract: A tarp deploying apparatus of the type that has radial arms pivotally attached at the front and rear of a trailer. A housing for supporting a tarp roll and a motor is pivotally attached at the free end of a radial arm such that the tarp roll and housing will tuck under a side lip at an upper portion of the side of the trailer. The rear radial arm is formed with a bend between the pivotal attachment point to the rear of the trailer and the free end of the radial arm, such that the free end of the radial arm is closer to the front of the trailer. A roller with enhanced traction characteristics helps to move the apparatus out of a storage position. A spring used to bias the radial arms can be adjusted to adjust the amount of biasing force.

Abstract: A retractable tarp support system for supporting a container covering is provided. The tarp support system comprises two halves and each half has a plurality of bows attached to a container that extend inwardly toward the center of the container. The bows are pivotally joined together by a crossbar extending along the end of the bars. A positioning device attached to one of the bows allows the tarp support system to move from an inwardly extended position outward to a retracted position near the sides of the container.

Abstract: A tarp cover for a cargo compartment is wound up on a rotating drum translatably spanning the compartment. The tarp is unfurled from the drum by a motor-driven cable and spool assembly pulling the leading edge of the tarp. The tarp retracting mechanism comprises a coil spring coaxially mounted on an axle held within the drum. A single cable running through a series of pulleys and through the scroll's leading edge pull-rod automatically equalizes tension on both ends of the pull-rod. A central vaulted region of the tarp engages the drum allowing free edges to closely bear against lateral edges of the compartment. Tarp tautness is enhance by an over-the-edge lever action imparted by the oblong pull-rod sliders. Each pull-rod pulley has two degrees of rotation freedom.

Abstract: A retractable tarping system including an end support surface, a shaft, a tarp, a spool, an end plate assembly, and a cable. The tarp and the spool are operably attached to the shaft. The end plate assembly is attached to the shaft for movement with respect to the first end support surface. The cable is attached to the end support surface and extends at least one time around the first spool.

Abstract: A heat shield assembly is applied to and shields an automobile from the sunlight and has a winding rod and a main heat shield. The main heat shield is connected to and selectively winds around the winding rod and has multiple main shielding strips. The main shielding strips are semi-tubular, are connected together and each main shielding strip has a convex surface, a concave surface and a ventilation passageway. The ventilation passageway allows the air flows therethrough to dissipate the heat of the main shielding strip and the automobile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side lifting/closing tarpaulin system for a flatbed trailer, the trailer having an elongated platform having front and rear ends, sides, a pair of bulkheads of similar construction extending upwardly from the platform at its front and rear ends, and a plurality of tarpaulin supporting beams extending laterally across the platform, and longitudinally along the platform. The system comprises a pair of pivoting arms, each arm supported by a corresponding bulkhead. The arms are pivotable, in corresponding fashion, with respect to a side of the platform, between an upper, open orientation and a lower, closed orientation. Each arm is provided with an elongated slot along a longitudinal axis of the arm. Each arm is mounted relative to the bulkhead such that the pivot sits within the slot in a manner that permits longitudinal movement of the arm relative to the pivot.

Abstract: In order to temporarily close off the open end or ends of a supermarket cage to reduce risk of products falling out, a supermarket cage protection device is proposed which comprises a roller (16) mounted between respective brackets (30) which are adapted to be fitted removably to opposing upper regions of opposing side frames (22) of a supermarket cage (20). A sheet of flexible material (12) is mounted upon and extensible from the roller (16) so as to cover, in use, an open end of the supermarket cage. Means for releasably securing the sheet (12) when so extended may comprise a channel element (14) providing a hook to engage a bottom cage element and optionally a grip portion (45) to facilitate its release. In its simplest form such a device is, in effect, a roller bund adapted for fitting to a delivery cage.

Abstract: A multi-mode load bed cover for an automotive vehicle includes first and second cover sectors which are deployable laterally from within a housing associated with a bodyside of a load bed.

Abstract: A self-contained, vehicle-mounted system for operating a retractable cover with respect to proximate open top containers transported by the vehicle to cover and uncover the containers. The system includes all of the items necessary to accomplish the covering and uncovering of a container and needs only to be mounted on the vehicle and connected to a source of electric power on the vehicle.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a tarping system includes a double coil spring mountable on a pivot shaft of the mechanism. A bushing is mounted on the pivot shaft and within the double coil spring. The bushing includes an eccentric external periphery that limits the deflection of the spring, particularly at the transition points between the center portion and each of the coil portions of the spring. As the spring winds or coils, the coil portions progressively contact the eccentric periphery of the bushing to not only limit further movement of the coil portions, but also to provide support for those portions under load.

Abstract: A tarp bar may be an alignment member, a reinforcement member, and a furling control member, without adding substantial weight or complexity to a rolling tarp system. The tarp bar is fixed to the tarp a significant distance from the drive bar and is not motorized or otherwise powered, and is preferably attached only to the tarp material, parallel to the length of the tarp and the bed/trailer. The tarp bar is recessed or otherwise-concave along its length to allow cradling of, and hence parallel orientation of, an already-rolled portion of the tarp. The tarp bar is preferably broader than said already-rolled portion, so that two opposing edges of the tarp bar extend out beyond the diameter of the already-rolled portion so that the combination of the already-rolled portion received in the tarp bar is a non-cylindrical unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding-bow tarpaulin system for lorries or lorry trailers, with a plurality of runner and guide rails, which extend on the loading area of the lorry along the longitudinal sides of the loading area and in which roller carriages, with retaining bow members that are positioned thereon and are realized like portals, are displaceably guided, and with a tarpaulin attached to the retaining bow members. In order to provide a sliding-bow tarpaulin system, where a tautening of the tarpaulin in the upper region is possible, at least one of the retaining bow members, in particular a retaining bow member that is not realized so as to be displaceable and/or is provided at one end of the loading area, is to be realized in its bottom region so as to be tiltable about a pivotal axis.

Abstract: A vehicle and/or equipment storm shield is provided as having a spool of membrane material, which may be relatively quickly un-spooled to provide a sheet of membrane material operative to substantially enclose the vehicle and/or equipment for protecting the vehicle and/or equipment from wind, rain and/or flying debris associated with storming conditions. In a similar manner, the vehicle and/or equipment storm shield may also be adapted to protect computers, generators, communications equipment and the like, from damage due to storming weather conditions.

Abstract: A tarp system for a side-dump trailer or truck is disclosed with the tarp system including forward and rearward swing arms which are pivotally mounted on the pivot pins to which the rod ends of forward and rearward cylinders are connected for pivotally moving the side-dump body from side to side.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for tarping a cargo loaded on a flat bed vehicle which includes a pair of ruggedly constructed double scissors linkages carried by an overhead horizontal traveling trolley and connectable at their lower ends to the tarpaulin. A vertically adjustable horizontal roller is provided, over which the tarpaulin is pulled during its installation in covering relation to the loaded cargo.

Abstract: An assembly for covering a load on a truck comprises a tower, a rotatable axle fixedly mounted with respect to the tower, and a base connected to the axle. The base is rotatable to a position above horizontal by a linkage.

Abstract: A roller blind for opening and closing the opening of a compartment, a storage box, a control console or similar enclosure, in particular for use in motor vehicles, is disclosed. At least one support element and at least one elastic layer disposed on the support element are included. Each support element has a curvature in its longitudinal direction with a deflection in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening to be closed by the roller blind. A method for the production of a roller blind is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-mode load bed cover for an automotive vehicle includes first and second cover sectors which are deployable laterally from within a housing associated with a bodyside of a load bed.